Watch Online

Watch Online
LIVE: newscasts on the Web

°

Homepage / News4Georgia
Text Size

State Investigating Mysterious Deaths Of Brunswick Geese

POSTED: Thursday, July 14, 2005

Geese droppings make a mess, but geese dropping dead make a mystery. The Department of Natural Resources is investigating the mysterious deaths of at least 16 geese at one Brunswick subdivision.

"It's something terrible," resident Tammy Bechtold said. "Their heads jerk (and they) can't walk straight. Most are dying in the pond."

At first glance, the gaggle of geese currently roaming the pond look healthy, but so did 16 others before something odd happened. Bechtold was the first person in the Brunswick development to notice the problem when she found two dead geese.

"They had babies, and babies were chirping or crying, wanting their parents," she said.

But it wasn't until the next day when six more geese died -- and seven more the day after -- that she started to pay attention. A few residents told Channel 4's Scott Johnson that the geese are an annoyance and that somebody might be killing them intentionally, which is why the state of Georgia is now investigating.

"It's something I haven't seen before," wildlife biologist David Mixon said. "I don't know what's killing them."

Mixon sent four of the dead geese to the University of Georgia for testing. He said it is bizarre that whatever is causing the geese to die is not affecting other animals in the development.

"There's also domestic geese and ducks, and they're not exhibiting any mortality," Mixon said.

Neighbors are now anxiously waiting for the lab results to find an answer to this mystery.

"A lot of us are animal lovers and we're worried the rest will die," Bechtold said. "They're dropping like flies."

Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Acupuncture, massage, or other complementary therapies could manage your type-2 diabetes. Find out whether they can help you. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideoClick to Expand

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Have You Seen These Fugitives?

      Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled. Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'

    • Cheerleaders Rally Troops

      Sweethearts for SoldiersTwenty eight NFL and NBA cheerleaders use their dance skills and personalities to raise the morale of soldiers both at home and overseas.

    • Images: Funeral Escort Hurt In Crash

      Motorcycle escort downA retired police officer leading a funeral on his motorcycle was injured when a car turned into his path on Atlantic Boulevard Wednesday afternoon. Slideshow | Full Story

    • Heidi Klum Wows At Victoria's Secret Show

      Heidi Klum and her post-baby body led the parade at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, which returned to New York with some fresh faces after four years on the road.